3D Printing Health and Safety
3D printers are powerful tools that convert computer models into physical objects. Also known as “additive manufacturing”, this process builds objects layer by layer, allowing complex shapes to be created efficiently in a variety of materials. While 3D printing offers exciting capabilities for many departments across TMU, users need to remain aware of the health and safety risks associated with the available printing technologies and materials and how to work with them safely.
Key resource
3D Printer Safety Manual
The (google doc) 3D Printer Safety Program (external link) details key hazards and safety practices designed to help prevent injuries and near-miss incidents related to 3D printing. It establishes minimum safety requirements, usage restrictions and best practices for operating 3D printers. Its purpose is to ensure safe use, reduce health and environmental risks and promote consistent procedures across campus for using additive manufacturing technologies.
Register your printer
All 3D printers must be registered upon acquisition by using the (google form) 3D Printer Registration Form (external link) . It is recommended that users conduct a risk assessment using the available (google doc) 3D Printer Risk Assessment Checklist (external link) to identify and mitigate hazards before operating any 3D printer. For further assistance, please contact TMU’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office at ehs@torontomu.ca.